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Black Diamond Half Dome Men Helmet
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Men Helmet
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Men Helmet
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Men Helmet
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Men Helmet

Half Dome

Rating

My vote: None ( 4.2 avg )

Description

The tried-and-true construction of our classic Half Dome helmet, now with new low-profile suspension, updated outer shell and secure, streamlined headlamp clips.

The Half Dome has long been a staple for climbers worldwide. Now redesigned, the helmet features a new lower profile suspension system with a one-handed dial combined with streamlined headlamp clips for added comfort and simplicity. Finally, an updated chin strap adds more efficiency and security while on the rock.

  • Co-molded EPS foam with low-profile polycarbonate shell
  • Updated, low-profile suspension system
  • Streamlined, lightweight headlamp clips
  • One-handed fit adjustment dial
  • Easily adjustable chin strap

Retail price

US$ 59.95

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Weight (g)

Weight (g)

In grams, the weight, as stated by the manufacturer/brand.

If there are differences in weight (due to multiple size or optional accessories) we note those here.

330 g

S/M: 330 g / 11.6 oz
M/L: 350 g / 12.3 oz

Gender

Gender

This is the gender as stated by the manufacturer/brand.

We use the term "Men" and "Unisex" interchangeably, as there is no difference between these types of helmets.

Unisex
Size Range

Size Range

The sizing options of the helmet according to the manufacturer.

19.70 in - 25.00 in

S/M: 48-57 cm / 19-22.5 in
M/L: 55-61.5 cm / 22-24 in

Features

Features

Bike Cert (EN 1078)

The EN certification for helmets used for bicycling and skating. The major difference in testing 1078 involves needs for more head coverage and for the helmet to pass a deflection or 'roll-off' test of the impact force.


Brim

Having a brim on a helmet may be inconsequential to some climbers but they make a great additional bit of protection against sun, rain and falling debris like small rocks or verglass.


Multiple Sizes

This is helpful for those with particularly small or large heads because helmets that come in 2 or 3 sizes cover a broader range of head size. Usually these are denoted as size 1 or 2, though some brands have S/M and M/L.


Face Shield Compatible

Face shields are a part of PPE that could be handy when drilling, developing and cleaning particularly dirty remote routes. Usually only used by work at height professionals.


MIPS technology

MIPS or Multidirectional Impact Protection System is a technology designed to reduce the amount of impact force that makes it to the brain. This is accomplished by adding a low friction cap between the liner and the helmet, allowing the shell to deflect around the head rather than transfer the forces from impact directly to the wearer.  Many bicycle helmets include this feature and it is starting to be applied to sports like skiing, motorcycling and climbing. Many MIPS helmets are also EN1078 compliant.


Ponytail Cutout

So far these are only found in "women's" helmets. It's a cutout / notch area that accommodates a low hanging ponytail hairstyle.


RECCO® reflector

These are used in locating someone missing or buried in an avalanche and are becoming more common in climbing gear due to the increased popularity of ski mountaineering. Though they are more often sold as something to add onto the helmet than being built into one, some manufacturers have begun to build them in.


Ski Cert (EN 1077)

The EN certification for helmets used for climbing and skiing. This test is simpler than the EN/UIAA one performed for helmets in general, but increases the amount of force that a helmet must endure. Likely this to simulate the faster speeds involved with downhill skiing impacts versus rockfall or climber accidents. This cert becoming more common in helmets as SkiMo popularity increases and more climbers are adding backcountry skiing to their mountaineering repertoire.

Multiple Sizes
Quick Adjust

Quick Adjust

Quick Adjust refers to the straps of the helmet. Do you want the ability to ability to "quickly" adjust the fit. This could be a dial, or other plastic pieces.

Really, most climbers don't need to change the fit of the helmet often, unless you're climbing with and without hats, or you have big hair that flattens and then requires tightening after climbing for awhile.

Yes
Vents

Vents

Refers to openings in the helmet body to allow air flow. Commonly found in most helmets these days, but often more so in foam and hybrid foam helmets than traditional hardshell polycarbonate shells.


Learn More

Click here to read more on helmet construction
Yes
Headlamp Compatable

Headlamp Compatible

Many helmets include hooks or clips for holding a standard headlamp in place, which is quite useful for the caver or alpinist. Ask any climber who has been benighted and they’ll tell you just how useful this feature can be.

Yes
Face Shield Compatable

Face Shield Compatible

Face shields are a part of PPE that could be handy when drilling, developing and cleaning particularly dirty remote routes. This feature isn't very common in climbing helmets and usually only used by work at height professionals.

No
Certification ­
AVG RATING
4.02
( 4 avg )
Rating
4.02
( 4 avg )

It will do

Pros
Cheap
Light enough
Robust
Avaible everywere
Cons
Heavy for some
Ugly
Not very comfortable
Plastic can crack
Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton
Disclaimer
I am a grumpy curmudgeon

It will do for most people but it is heavy, ugly, and bulky

It will do for most people but it is heavy, ugly, and bulky

WeighMyRack Gear Review no rating given just a review

The Most Wanted helmets tend to be lighter, like the Sirocco and Vapor and/or are some of the better looking helmets. The Most Owned helmets tend to be those that are readily available at all the climbing shops, like the Black Diamond collection which dominates this list.

Next Adventure Gear Review rating 10/10

The bottom line is the Black Diamond Half Dome is an easy pick for an all-around climbing helmet. It's light, comfortable, easy to adjust and is a really good value for the price.

Outdoor Gear Lab Gear Review rating 4/5

The Black Diamond Half Dome may be the single most popular climbing helmet in the United States. This popularity is surely due to the low price and the catchy name. We think it presents excellent value for beginners looking to get into the game without spending a fortune on equipment and is thus worthy of our Best Bang for the Buck award.

Half Dome Helmet

The UIAA equipment standard provides a baseline for equipment performance in a test lab under controlled conditions on new equipment. Although these test conditions are relevant to the conditions encountered climbing, conditions encountered at the crags and the condition of the equipment are equally important. This recommendation from the UIAA member federation The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) provides vital equipment information that is NOT explicitly addressed in the standard, particularly failure modes of the equipment and recommendations for the use, inspection, maintenance, and retirement of equipment.